GREENWOOD – Lander Athletics is proud to announce a newly formed partnership with the Connie Maxwell Children's Home. On Thursday, August 16, and Friday, August 17, over 300 Lander University student-athletes, coaches and administrators will assist the Connie Maxwell Children's Home – Greenwood Campus with various grounds, facility and equipment improvement projects.

With a long-established history of caring for children and their families, Connie Maxwell Children's Home has continued to develop new programs with individualized services that provide stability and Christ-centered support during times of need. Connie Maxwell has five campus location across S.C. and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA). Each year, more than 200 children and their families participate in one of the home's core programs: residential care, crisis care, family care and foster care.

"Lander Athletics is thrilled to partner with Connie Maxwell Children's Home right here in Greenwood! We hope to set a standard for community service in our Athletic Department that yields impactful and lasting results," said Brian Reese, Lander Athletics director. "We believe instilling this sense of 'service above self' is vital in the positive development of our student-athletes."

"Partners like Lander University are a valuable part of our Connie Maxwell family," said Debbie McDowell, director of Church & Partner Services. "The presence of partners is an encouragement and a tremendous help. We look forward to our service days in August and future partnership opportunities."

The two-day service project will kick-off with a brief program at the Pavilion on the Greenwood campus of Connie Maxwell at noon on Thursday, August 16, with projects scheduled to be finished by 5 p.m. Friday, August 17. Those projects will include:

* Spreading mulch and other landscaping projects across campus.

* Cleaning sidewalks, and other beautification projects around campus.

* Deep cleaning campus guesthouses.

* Painting fences and a barn at OASIS Farm.

* Sanding and painting goal posts on the athletic field.

In addition to these projects, Lander Athletics has launched a fundraising campaign to benefit the children at the Greenwood campus. The goal is to raise $2,500 by Thursday, August 16, to purchase book bags, school supplies and archery equipment for the children at Connie Maxwell. The Lander University and Greenwood communities are encouraged to join Lander Athletics in this giving effort. Donations can be made online at www.givebutter.com/UlbH0X